Annual Notice of Change
A required letter Medicare Advantage and Part D plans mail every September listing how costs, benefits, network, and drug formulary change next year.
Official source: medicare.gov
The **Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)** is the document Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D plans are required to mail to every member by **September 30** each year. It summarizes how the plan will change effective **January 1**.
The ANOC compares the **current year** to the **upcoming year** for: monthly premium, deductible, copays and coinsurance, the maximum out-of-pocket limit, the prescription drug formulary, provider and pharmacy networks, and any covered extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowance, fitness, Part B Give-Back amount).
The ANOC matters because Medicare's **Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 – December 7** — that's your one yearly window to switch plans before changes take effect. Reviewing the ANOC the moment it arrives gives you weeks to compare alternatives at **Medicare.gov/plan-compare**, check whether your doctors and drugs are still covered, and switch if needed.
Common ANOC red flags worth acting on: your drug moved to a higher tier or was dropped from the formulary, your primary care doctor or hospital left the network, the plan's premium or out-of-pocket maximum increased meaningfully, or the plan's **Star Rating** dropped.
If you do nothing, you're automatically renewed in the same plan under the new rules on January 1.
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Frequently asked questions about Annual Notice of Change
When will my ANOC arrive?+
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans must send the Annual Notice of Change by September 30 each year. Most plans mail or email it in late September.
What should I look for in my ANOC?+
Compare the new-year and current-year columns for premium, deductible, out-of-pocket max, drug tiers, network changes, extra benefits, and the plan's Star Rating. Flag any changes that affect medications you take or doctors you see.
What happens if I ignore my ANOC?+
You will be automatically renewed in the same plan under the new rules on January 1. If the changes don't work for you, switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7).
Is the ANOC the same as the Evidence of Coverage?+
No. The ANOC is a short summary of year-over-year changes. The Evidence of Coverage (EOC) is the full plan contract — both must be provided each year, and the EOC is typically posted online.
Can I switch plans outside of AEP if my ANOC has bad news?+
Usually only during a qualifying Special Enrollment Period, or during the Medicare Advantage OEP (Jan 1 – Mar 31) if you're already in an Advantage plan and want to change once.
Source: medicare.gov